The U16 girls Inferno played an impressive match last weekend, beating the VUFC 96 Firecrackers 4-1 on their home turf.
Inferno had a slow start, with much of the play in their end. However, about 10 minutes into the game, forward Lauren Saunders was left unchecked in front of the goal, and struck the ball decisively into the back of the net.
The Firecrackers got the next goal in a goal mouth scramble, but it was Inferno's game after that.
Talia Barnum scored the second goal after a nice pass from Kayli Dunk. The shot ricocheted into the net off the left goal post, leaving the Firecrackers' keeper stunned.
Sidney Downie played a calm, intelligent game in the outside and centre midfield, and scored the third goal with a high, hard shot from the 18-yard line that soared over the goalkeeper's head.
Inferno played a wonderful passing game and kept possession with short, sure passes, waiting for opportunities to present themselves.
Anya Kuhling had some great breakaways and put forth a 100 per cent effort into every play she was involved in.
The fourth goal was scored midway into the second half, again by Talia after she was given a beautiful through pass that she pounded past the goalkeeper.
U13 boys
Last Saturday, with a touch of melting snow on the field, the Scorpions faced their next Pioneer Cup opponent, the Italian Canadian Sports Federation (ICSF) Juventus.
Scorpions' defenders Keegan Inkster, Evan Griffin, and Cole Cooney kept the East Van team to the outside, eliminating the potential for any dangerous shots.
Philip Fogarty joined a Scorpions rush and hit the post with a long shot from the outside. A shot by Jordan Kammerle was handballed by a Juventus defender in front of the net, and Bradley Huddlestone scored on the resulting penalty kick for a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Jordan made a beautiful pass to speedster Finn Rogers who got off a dangerous shot to no avail.
Juventus' sense of urgency increased and they pushed through the home team's defence. A scramble ensued, and with keeper Xavier down and out, winger Ben Luporini made a goal mouth save and kicked the ball out of danger.
The game opened up with both teams getting breakaways.
Everett August, Quinn Towert, Duncan Armstrong, with Finn, Jordan and Brad-ley charging down the field over and over, only to be stopped by aggressive defence.
It was a Juventus breakaway that would pay off. Their speedy attack drew a foul in the Scorpions box, and the East Van team was awarded a penalty kick.
Xavier made the save on the initial shot, but icy fingers made the rebound difficult to control and the Juventus players converted on the rebound, tying the score 1-1.
Overtime would be necessary to decide the fate of the match, with draws not allowed in cup play. With four blue shirts running at him, Liam Rankin managed to score in the first half of the overtime. Aggressive and determined play by Tristan Tidder, Gabe Goerzen and the rest of the defence locked the game down, and the Scorpions came out with the 2-1 victory.
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